Closures for liquid-dispensing containers and methods for making and using such closures

ABSTRACT

A closure can include a base having an opening. The base can be connected to a container such that a liquid in the container, for example a creamer, is pourable through the opening of the closure into a beverage cup. The closure can include an overcap having a plug, and the plug can seal the opening when the overcap is in a closed position relative to the base. A hinge can connect the overcap to the base and be biased to establish and maintain an angle of the overcap when the overcap moves out of the closed position. Liquid retained on the overcap during opening of the overcap can then fall directly into the beverage cup during pouring due to the angle of the overcap in the open position. Any retained liquid ingredient that falls from the overcap onto the base can be confined within a ring on the base.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to closures for containers inwhich a liquid such as a coffee creamer is held and dispensed from thecontainer. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed tocontainer closures that comprise a hinged overcap, and the closuresdirect and/or confine liquid dripping from the overcap.

Bottles for dispensing a liquid such as a coffee creamer are typicallyclosed by an overcap which enables a convenient pouring of the liquidinto a beverage cup. Before pouring, the consumer shakes the bottle withthe overcap closed, opens the overcap, and then pours the shaken liquidinto a beverage cup.

However, the shaking of the bottle typically positions some of theliquid on the overcap. This liquid is retained on the overcap when theovercap is opened, and then this liquid is dripping from the overcap asthe consumer pours the liquid from the bottle into the beverage cup.This dripping can create undesirable drops and puddles of the liquid onthe top of the bottle. Furthermore, this liquid on top of the bottle canbe pushed around when the overcap is closed onto the top of the bottleafter pouring is completed, creating further messiness on the bottle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a closure that can significantly reducethe mess from dripping product by directing any dripping product towardthe beverage cup. In this regard, at least a portion of any drippingproduct can fall into the cup instead of falling onto the base of theclosure. Occasionally, a portion of the dripping product can fall ontothe base of the closure, especially when the bottle is full, but theclosure can comprise an outer ring that prevents product fallen on thebase from flowing out from the upper base. Thus any mess can be confinedwithin the outer ring. Without the outer ring, the product would flowtoward the side of the closure, contributing in more product mess.

Specifically, the angle of the hinge connecting the overcap to the baseof the closure can be designed so that any product dripping from theovercap is directed into the beverage cup whether the bottle is full,empty, or has a volume therebetween. When the bottle is full or almostfull, the angle of the bottle is such that dripping from the overcap maybe directed to the base of the closure. For other volumes, such as ¾full to empty, dripping may be directed into the cup.

Accordingly, in a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides aclosure comprising: a base comprising a first surface comprising anopening, the base configured to be connected to a container such that aliquid in the container is pourable from the container through theopening, and the first surface defines a plane of the base; an overcapcomprising a body and a plug, the plug is sized and shaped to seal theopening when the overcap is in a closed position relative to the base,and the plug extends from the body in a main extension direction towhich a plane of the overcap is perpendicular; and a hinge that connectsthe overcap to the base and is biased to maintain an open position ofthe overcap relative to the base, and the plane of the overcap is angledat 125 degrees to 145 degrees relative to the plane of the base when theovercap is in the open position.

In an embodiment, the first surface of the base further comprises a ringconfigured to retain a liquid on a section of the first surface that iswithin the ring. The ring can be perpendicular to the plane of the base.The base can comprise a spout extending from the first surface along atleast a portion of a perimeter of the opening, and the ringcircumscribes the spout. The base can comprise a connecting wallconfigured to connect the base to the container, and the connecting wallextends from an opposite side of the first surface relative to the ring.The base can comprise a skirt that circumscribes the connecting wall.The connecting wall can comprise threads.

In an embodiment, an end of the plug opposite from the body of theovercap is a tapered end such that a diameter of the end of the plugopposite from the body has a diameter smaller than a diameter of asection of the plug between the tapered end and the body, and thetapered end comprises an aperture that extends into the plug.

In an embodiment, the plane of the overcap is angled at about 135degrees relative to the plane of the base when the overcap is in theopen position.

In another embodiment provided by the present disclosure, a packagecomprises: a container housing a liquid; and a closure comprising a basecomprising a first surface comprising an opening, the base connected tothe container such that the liquid in the container is pourable from thecontainer through the opening, and the first surface defines a plane ofthe base; an overcap comprising a body and a plug, the plug is sized andshaped to seal the opening when the overcap is in a closed positionrelative to the base, and the plug extends from the body in a mainextension direction to which a plane of the overcap is perpendicular;and a hinge that connects the overcap to the base and is biased tomaintain an open position of the overcap relative to the base, and theplane of the overcap is angled at 125 degrees to 145 degrees relative tothe plane of the base when the overcap is in the open position.

In an embodiment, the liquid is a coffee creamer.

In an embodiment, the package comprises a fitment that connects the baseof the closure to the container.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofmaking a beverage using a container that houses a liquid ingredient ofthe beverage. The method comprising pouring the liquid ingredient fromthe container into a cup, the liquid ingredient is poured through anopening in a base of a closure connected to the container, the closurecomprising an overcap connected to the base of the closure by a hinge,and the hinge maintains the overcap in a position such that drips of theliquid ingredient falling from the overcap land in the cup when thecontainer is between ¼ and ¾ full and land within a ring extending fromthe base of the closure when the container is at least ¾ full.

In an embodiment, the base comprises a first surface comprising theopening and defining a plane of the base, the overcap comprises a plugconfigured to insert into and seal the opening, the plug extends fromthe body in a main extension direction to which a plane of the overcapis perpendicular, and the hinge maintains the plane of the overcap at125 degrees to 145 degrees relative to the plane of the base.

In an embodiment, the method comprises shaking the container while theovercap is in a closed position covering the opening in the base, andthen moving the overcap from the closed position to an open position inwhich the opening in the base is uncovered, before the pouring of theliquid ingredient. The overcap can comprise a plug configured to insertinto and seal the opening, the plug can retain a portion of the liquidingredient thereon during the moving of the overcap to the openposition, and the portion of the liquid ingredient retained by the plugcan form the drips of the liquid ingredient falling from the overcap.

In an embodiment, the cup contains a coffee, the liquid ingredient is aliquid creamer, and the beverage comprises the coffee and the creamer.

In an embodiment, the ring is configured to confine the drips of theliquid ingredient on the base.

In an embodiment, the ring circumscribes a spout which directs theliquid ingredient poured through the opening into the cup.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofmaking a closure for a container that houses and dispenses a liquid, themethod comprising: connecting an overcap to a base by a hinge, theclosure comprises the overcap, the base and the hinge, the overcapcomprises a first surface comprising an opening and defining a plane ofthe base, the overcap comprises a body and a plug, the plug is sized andshaped to seal the opening when the overcap is in a closed positionrelative to the base, the plug extends from the body in a main extensiondirection to which a plane of the overcap is perpendicular, and thehinge is biased such that an angle of the plane of the overcap ispositioned at 125 degrees to 145 degrees relative to the plane of thebase when the overcap is in an open position relative to the base; andforming a ring on the base, and the ring is configured to retain dropsof liquid that have fallen from the overcap onto the base.

In an embodiment, the method comprises connecting the closure to thecontainer. The method can comprise adding at least a portion of theliquid to the container before the connecting of the closure to thecontainer.

Additional features and advantages are described herein and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a closureprovided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side plan view of an embodiment of a closure provided bythe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an above plan view of an embodiment of a closure providedby the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows pouring of liquid product using prior art closures.

FIG. 5 shows pouring of liquid product using an embodiment of a closureprovided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a side plan view of a container connected to an embodimentof a closure provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross-section view of a container connected to anembodiment of a closure provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing results from a laboratory study disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a liquid” or “theliquid” includes two or more liquids.

The words “comprise,” “comprises” and “comprising” are to be interpretedinclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms “include,”“including” and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unlesssuch a construction is clearly prohibited from the context.

However, the devices and apparatuses disclosed herein may lack anyelement that is not specifically disclosed. Thus, a disclosure of anembodiment using the term “comprising” includes a disclosure ofembodiments “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” thecomponents identified. Similarly, the methods disclosed herein may lackany step that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosureof an embodiment using the term “comprising” includes a disclosure ofembodiments “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” the stepsidentified.

The term “and/or” used in the context of “X and/or Y” should beinterpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X and Y.” Where used herein, the terms“example” and “such as,” particularly when followed by a listing ofterms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed tobe exclusive or comprehensive. Any embodiment disclosed herein can becombined with any other embodiment disclosed herein unless explicitlystated otherwise.

As used herein, “about” and “approximately” are understood to refer tonumbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of −10% to +10% ofthe referenced number, preferably within −5% to +5% of the referencednumber, more preferably within −1% to +1% of the referenced number, mostpreferably within −0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number.

In the context of this disclosure, a “creamer” means a composition thatcan be used as a milk substitute, preferably comprising one or morecomponents such as proteins, for example non-fat milk solids, caseinsand/or derivatives thereof; carbohydrates, for example corn syrup,sucrose, dextrose, fructose, maltodextrin, lactose and/or an artificialsweetener; and/or fats or vegetable oils. The creamer components may bederived from milk; for example, the creamer may contain milk powder.

As used herein, a “container” is any device comprising an at leastpartially enclosed interior capable of holding a liquid and comprisingan opening that can dispense the liquid from the interior. Non-limitingexamples of suitable containers include bottles and jars.

The terms “connect” and “attach” in the disclosure and the claims do notrequire direct connection or attachment and encompass indirectconnections and attachments that include one or more intermediate piecesthat connect or attach the referenced components. As used herein,“reversibly removable” mean that the referenced components can beconnected to and removed from each other without damaging any of thereferenced components and without damaging a connector, if any.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an aspect of the present disclosure is a closure10 comprising a base 11 connected to an overcap 20 by a hinge 30. Thebase 11 can comprise an opening 12. The hinge 30 can allow the overcap20 to pivot relative to the base 11, for example between a closedposition in which the overcap 20 covers the opening 12 (shown by dottedlines in FIG. 3) and an open position in which the opening 12 is notcovered by the overcap 20 (shown in FIGS. 1-3). The opening 12 canextend through the base 11 such that the closure 10 can be connected toa container that houses a liquid, and the liquid can be poured throughthe opening 12 when the overcap 20 is in the open position.

The overcap 20 can comprise a body 21 that may form an outer surface ofthe overcap 20, and the overcap 20 can comprise a plug 22 that mayextend from the body 21. The plug 22 can be configured to insert intothe opening 12 and seal the opening 12 when the overcap 20 is in theclosed position. For example, a perimeter of the plug 22 and a perimeterof the opening 12 can have approximately the same shape andapproximately the same circumference. Thus the plug 22 can be reversiblyremovable from the opening 12. A friction fit between the plug 22 andthe opening 22 can hold the plug 22 in the opening 12. In someembodiments, the friction fit maintains the overcap 20 in the closedposition relative to the base 11.

In a preferred embodiment, the plug 22 is hollow such that there is anaperture 23 in the distal end of the plug 22 (e.g., the end of the plug22 distanced from the body 21), and the aperture 23 can extend into theplug 22 at least a majority of the length of the plug 22, for exampleapproximately the entirety of the length of the plug 22. The aperture 23can have approximately the same shape as the plug 22 and preferably hasa diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the plug 22, forexample a diameter that is at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% ofthe outer diameter of the plug 22. The plug 22 and the aperture 23therein preferably have the same axis of symmetry.

The base 11 of the closure 10 preferably comprises a connecting wall 13(e.g., a cylindrical wall) that can connect the closure 10 to a neck ofa container. For example, the connecting wall 13 can be cylindrical andcan comprise threads that engage complementary threads on the neck ofthe container. In an embodiment, the connecting wall 13 has about thesame size and about the same shape as the neck of the container. Thebody of the closure 10 preferably comprises a skirt 14 that cancircumscribe the connecting wall 13 and can abut the body of thecontainer, preferably below the neck of the container (e.g., the skirt14 can extend farther than the connecting wall 13).

Preferably the distal end of the plug 22 comprises a tapered portion 24that is tapered inward such that the circumference of the distal end ofthe plug 22 is smaller than the circumference of the section of the plug22 between the tapered portion 24 and the body 21. In an embodiment, thecircumference of the plug 22 is approximately the same along theentirety of the length of the section between the tapered portion 24 andthe body 21. Although the figures show the plug 22 as cylindrical andthe opening 12 as circular, any shape can be used. The term“circumference” merely means the distance along the perimeter and doesnot imply that the plug 22 and the opening 12 must be cylindrical andcircular respectively. The closure 10 is not limited to a specific shapeof any of its components, such as the opening 12 or the plug 22.

The base 11 preferably comprises a spout 15 that can be positioned alongat least a portion of the perimeter of the opening 12, preferably alongat least 50% of the perimeter of the opening 12, more preferably alongat least 60% of the perimeter of the opening 12, most preferably alongat least 70% of the perimeter of the opening 12. The base 11 cancomprise an first surface 16 (e.g., an upward-facing planar surface) inwhich the opening 12 can be positioned, and the spout 15 can be a wallextending from the first surface 16 of the base 11. The spout 15 canhave a varying height; for example, the height of the spout 15 ispreferably largest on the side of the spout 15 that faces away from thehinge 30.

When the overcap 20 is in the closed position, the body 21 of theovercap 20 can abut the base 11 of the closure 10 to form a continuoussurface with the base 11 such that there are no gaps between the overcap20 and the base 11. For example, the body 21 of the overcap 20 cancomprise an outer wall 28 that can abut at least a portion of the firstsurface 16 and/or at least a portion of the skirt 14 when the overcap 20is in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the overcap 20can comprise an inner wall 29 that can abut at least a portion of thefirst surface 16 and/or at least a portion of the skirt 14 when theovercap 20 is in the closed position. The outer wall 28 and/or the innerwall 29 can circumscribe the plug 22.

In a preferred embodiment, the base 11 of the closure 10 comprises aring 17 that can extend upward from the first surface 16 and cancircumscribe the opening 12 and/or the spout 15. The ring 17 can beconfigured to confine any liquid dripping onto the base 11 from theovercap 20, such as any liquid dripping onto the first surface 16 fromthe plug 22. A gap is optionally formed between the ring 17 and theinner wall 29 when the overcap 20 is in the closed position such thatthe ring 17 does not abut the inner wall 29, although in someembodiments the ring 17 abuts the inner wall 29 when the overcap 20 isin the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 4, known closures typically have an overcap that has anangle of 150 degrees relative to the vertical axis of the beverage cup(the vertical axis of the beverage cup is typically approximatelyperpendicular to the central axis of the container when the container is¼ to ¾ full). As a result, these known closures drip liquid product fromthe overcap to the base of the closure, thereby creating drops andpuddles of liquid product on the base. In contrast, a preferredembodiment of the closure 10 provided by the present disclosure isconfigured such that, during pouring from a container that is ¼ to ¾full, at least a portion of any liquid dripping from the overcap 20 isdirected to the beverage cup below, as shown in FIG. 5.

For example, when the overcap 22 is moved out of the closed position inwhich the plug is inserted into the opening 12, the hinge 30 can beconfigured to establish and maintain an angle of the plane 120 of theovercap 20 at 125 degrees to 145 degrees (e.g., about 135 degrees)relative to the vertical axis of the beverage cup and/or the plane 110of the base 11. Preferably, the hinge 30 is biased toward this angle. Inan embodiment, the plane 120 of the overcap 20 is a plane perpendicularto the main extension direction of the plug 22, a plane perpendicular tothe inner wall 29, and/or a plane perpendicular to the outer wall 28. Inan embodiment, the plane 110 of the base 11 is a plane defined by thefirst surface 16 of the base 11. In an embodiment, the plane 110 of thebase 11 is a plane perpendicular to the central axis 111 of the base 11.The central axis 111 of the base 11 can be an axis about which theconnecting wall 13 is symmetrical, and/or the central axis 111 of thebase 11 can be a virtual line extending through at least two of thefollowing: the center of the skirt 14, the center of the connecting wall13, the center of the opening 12, the center of the first surface 16,and the center of the ring 17. The “center” is the point from whichapproximately all of a virtual circle overlapped by the referencedcomponent is approximately equidistant.

In an embodiment, the hinge 30 is a single planar piece of resilientplastic that deforms to enable the overcap 20 to achieve the closedposition in which the plug 22 inserts into the opening 12. The insertionof the plug 22 into the opening can hold the overcap 20 in the closedposition. When the overcap 20 is moved away from the base 11 and theplug 22 is thereby removed from the opening 12, the hinge 30 can bebiased toward the position in which the plane 120 of the overcap 20 is125 degrees to 145 degrees (e.g., about 135 degrees) relative to theplane 110 of the base 11.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a package comprises acontainer 200 and the closure 10, and the closure 10 is connected to thecontainer 200 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The container 200 can contain a liquidproduct 300, for example a coffee creamer.

In a preferred embodiment, the closure 10 is connected to the container200 indirectly, for example by a fitment. One way of manufacturing suchan embodiment is to attach the fitment to the neck of the container 200and then attach the closure 10 to the fitment, for example by screwingthe closure 10 (e.g., the base 11) onto the fitment. After the tab ispulled, the fitment preferably has no impact on the pouringfunctionality of the closure 10 and preferably does not provide anyinterference with the liquid product 300 poured from the closure 10. Forexample, the fitment may be positioned substantially underneath theclosure 10 when the container 200 is in an upright position, preferablycompletely underneath the closure 10, such that the fitment does notenter the flow path of the liquid product 300 during pouring thereof.Further in this regard, in some embodiments the circumference of thefitment is at most about equal to the circumference of the base 11 ofthe closure 10, such that the fitment does not extend outward beyond thebase 11.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofmaking a beverage using a container that houses a liquid ingredient ofthe beverage. The method can comprise pouring the liquid ingredient fromthe container into the cup, and the liquid ingredient is poured throughan opening in a base of a closure connected to the container. The cup ispreferably approximately directly underneath the opening. The closurecomprises an overcap connected to the base of the closure by a hinge,and the hinge maintains the overcap in a position such that drips of theliquid ingredient falling from the overcap land in the cup. For example,the hinge can maintain an angle of the plane of the overcap at 125degrees to 145 degrees (e.g., about 135 degrees) relative to the planeof the base and/or, if the container is ¼ to ¾ full, at 125 degrees to145 degrees (e.g., about 135 degrees) relative to the vertical axis ofthe cup. Preferably the angle is maintained for the entirety of thepouring, for example about one to three seconds. The method can use anyembodiment of the closure 10 disclosed herein or any other closurecapable of performing the steps of the method.

In an embodiment, the method comprises shaking the container and thenmoving the overcap from a closed position relative to the base to anopen position relative to the base, before the pouring. Some of theliquid ingredient can be retained on the overcap after moving theovercap to the open position (e.g., liquid ingredient retained by a plugseal of the overcap), and the method can comprise directing into thebeverage cup at least a portion of the liquid ingredient that has beenretained on the overcap and is dripping from the overcap.

In an embodiment, the method can comprise restricting flow of theingredient which has dripped onto the base of the closure, and the baseof the closure comprises a ring that restricts the flow of theingredient which has dripped onto the base of the closure. For example,when the container is ¾ full or more, the angle of the container forpouring may position the overcap over the base of the closure despitethe angle of the overcap established and maintained by the hinge. Theliquid ingredient may drip from the overcap onto the base of the closurein this situation, and the ring on the base of the closure can confinethese drips of the liquid ingredient.

In an embodiment of the method, the ingredient is poured from thecontainer into a cup which contains a coffee, the ingredient is a liquidcreamer, and the beverage comprises the coffee and the creamer. Thecontainer is preferably shaken before the opening of the overcap and/orbefore the pouring of the liquid ingredient.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofmaking a closure for a container that houses a liquid. The method cancomprise connecting an overcap to a base with a hinge, and the hinge isconfigured such that a majority of the drips of the liquid from theovercap fall into a cup below the closure. For example, the hinge can bebiased such that an angle of the plane of the overcap is positioned at125 degrees to 145 degrees (e.g., about 135 degrees) relative to theplane of the base when the overcap is in an open position relative tothe base. The method can comprise forming a ring on the base, and thering can be configured to confine drops of liquid that have fallen ontothe base from the overcap (e.g., from the plug). The method can form anyembodiment of the closure 10 disclosed herein or any other closurecapable of being formed by the steps of the method.

The method can comprise connecting the closure to the container. In anembodiment, the method comprises adding a liquid beverage ingredient tothe container, preferably by adding at least a portion of the liquidbeverage ingredient to the container before connecting the closure tothe container.

Example

This non-limiting example details a laboratory study using containershousing liquid creamer and having an embodiment of the closure disclosedherein. Control containers having commercially available closures wereused as well. The containers were shaken and opened, and two ounces ofliquid creamer were poured for each sample. The bottles were tested atfull volume, ¾ volume, ½ volume, and ¼ volume. For each sample, it wasrecorded whether liquid creamer was flinged from the overcap and alsowhether a drip ended up on the cap or bottle. Liquid creamer thatdripped from the overcap into the beverage cup was noted but notcategorized as a defect. The results are shown in FIG. 8 and demonstratethat the closure disclosed herein can significantly reduce the mess fromdripping product by directing any dripping product toward the beveragecup.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A method of making a beverageusing a container that houses liquid creamer, the method comprisingpouring the liquid creamer from the container into a cup, the liquidcreamer is poured through an opening in a base of a closure connected tothe container, the container and the closure form a package, an upperplanar surface of the base defines the opening, and the opening directlyconnects an interior of the package to an exterior of the package, theclosure comprising a ring extending from the base, the closure furthercomprising an overcap connected to the base of the closure by a hinge,and the hinge is located on an opposite side of the base from the cupwhen the liquid creamer is poured from the container into the cup andmaintains the overcap in a position such that drips of the liquidcreamer falling from the overcap land in the cup when the container isbetween ¼ and ¾ full and the overcap is at 125 degrees to 145 degreesrelative to a vertical axis of the cup during pouring, and land withinthe ring when the container is greater than ¾ full and the overcap is atan angle greater than 145 degrees to the vertical axis of the cup duringpouring.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the overcap comprises a plugconfigured to insert into and seal the opening, the plug extends from abody of the overcap in a main extension direction to which a plane ofthe overcap is perpendicular, and the hinge maintains the plane of theovercap at 125 degrees to 145 degrees relative to the upper planarsurface of the base when the overcap is in an open position.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 comprising shaking the container while the overcap isin a closed position covering the opening in the base, and then movingthe overcap from the closed position to an open position in which theopening in the base is uncovered, before the pouring of the liquidcreamer.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the overcap comprises a plugconfigured to insert into and seal the opening, the plug retains aportion of the liquid creamer thereon during the moving of the overcapto the open position, and the portion of the liquid ingredient retainedby the plug forms the drips of the liquid ingredient falling from theovercap.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cup contains a coffee, andthe beverage comprises the coffee and the liquid creamer.
 6. The methodof claim 1 wherein the ring is configured to confine the drips of theliquid creamer on the base.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the ringcircumscribes a spout which directs the liquid creamer poured throughthe opening into the cup.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the spoutcircumscribes the opening only partially.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the spout fully circumscribes the opening.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the angle is maintained for the entirety of thepouring.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pouring lasts for aperiod of time of 1 to 3 seconds.